It Just Takes Time

-February 21, 2023-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:1).

There is great value in diligence combined with patience. In our text Solomon gives us valuable insight on two important aspects in the Christian life: our part and God’s part. God wants to be diligent, hardworking, and patient; God’s will answer our prayers and come through for us in His time.

To cast our bread upon the waters likely refers to the planting of rice. It grows in muddy ground or ground covered in water. It is trodden by cattle, takes root, grows, and produces a plentiful harvest after many days. Rice growers must be patient in order to see it through all the way.

So it is in life, things don’t happen as quickly as we’d like. We live in age of instant coffee, instant oatmeal, fast foods, microwaves, and food delivered right to our doorsteps. We get so impatient. Yet there is value in waiting. Sometimes it takes years for a soul to get saved; it may take a long time before God sends us a spouse; we may see scores of homes before purchasing one; it may take months to find a job; it may quite some time for a promotion to come through. Many give up waiting.

Our part is to give our best effort, then let the Lord take over. It may take blood, sweat, and tears and many days, weeks, or years. Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” We should never give up. God is able to do all things. We gain nothing by being anxious or worried, for God is in control.

Let us cast our bread upon the waters, for we will find it after many days. God sees us, hears us, and knows us better than we know ourselves. Making split decisions, moving ahead of the Lord, or taking matters into our own hands is not good. There are lasting consequences when we do.

Have a blessed, diligent, and patient day. Stay safe and healthy.

Showing diligence in sowing leads to blessing in growing,

Dean